PONANT invites you on a polar expedition cruise to the heart of the icy realm that is the Antarctic Peninsula. Embark on an unforgettable 11-day voyage and succumb to the enchantment of the breathtaking landscapes inhabited by astonishing wildlife.

The start of your cruise will be marked by the crossing of the mythical Drake Passage, during which you will probably be escorted by several albatrosses and Cape petrels, the sentinels of these often-choppy waters.

Your ship will then reach the White Continent, realm of the unexpected. Weather and ice conditions permitting, this extreme environment where nature reigns supreme will reveal to you its most beautiful secrets through numerous discoveries.

On this uninhabited land, which wasn’t explored until the 19th century, your encounters with the wildlife will no doubt be one of the highlights of your experience. The Gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins, humpback whales, seals and seabirds will provide you with cherished lifelong memories.

Each day, whether on land, aboard your ship or during a Zodiac® outing, you will be surrounded by a grandiose decor ranging from icebergs to ice floe and ancient glaciers.

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the IAATO.

LE SOLEAL

Designed in 2013 and loyal to the PONANT spirit, Le Soléal like her sisterships embodies the subtle alliance between luxury, intimacy and wellbeing which is Ponant’s signature. The elegance of her exterior and interior lines and her intimate size (only 132 staterooms and suites)make this a rare and innovative yacht on the cruise market.

Interior Design

With her fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white, Le Soléal presents references to a nautical theme.

Port of call & excursions

Ushuaia

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the “Great White“ and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…

14 December 2020▸15 December 2020 – Crossing the Drake Passage

Arrival 14/12/2020. Departure 15/12/2020.

Use your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarise yourself with your ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will explain everything you need to know about the Zodiac® outings. Lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic will be an opportunity for you to learn more about this magical region, where every cruise is a unique experience. From the ship’s bridge, you will experience exceptional sailing moments before joining the naturalist-guides on your ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.

16 December 2020▸20 December 2020 – Antarctic Peninsula

Arrival 16/12/2020. Departure 20/12/2020.

To learn more about ecosystems, fauna and landscapes in Antarctic regions, go to the section “Discover Antarctica” of your cruise.

Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. Depending on which sites you will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.

Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest Zodiac® outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.

21 December 2020▸22 December 2020 – Crossing the Drake Passage

Arrival 21/12/2020. Departure 22/12/2020.

If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to Antarctica. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.

Ushuaia

Disembarkation 23/12/2020 at 08H00 .

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the “Great White“ and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…

Formalities

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

Warning about the use of drones: the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

Argentina: should you require a visa to travel to Argentina, we recommend you apply for a double-entry visa as a technical stop in Chile might be scheduled.

Chile: Australian citizens entering/exiting Chile must pay a RECIPROCITY TAX that will be issued for a stay of up to 90 days upon payment. Currently, the fee is only charged at the Santiago International Airport. Payment can be made in U.S. currency or by credit card.

We remind you that all our ships have a doctor on board and medical facilities. However, these cannot, under any circumstances, be compared to any medical structure on land. Given the remote areas in which we will be sailing for a number of days, safety requirements mean that we are obliged to ask each passenger signing up for this program to provide us, no more than 45 days before departure, with a medical certificate from their GP, as well as the completed medical questionnaire received during registration.

Discover Antarctica

Discover Antarctica

PONANT accompanies you in the choice of your expedition cruise. Discover the Antarctic riches with PONANT.

Theme

Polar Expedition

Choosing a PONANT expedition cruise means choosing a state of mind: the alliance of elegance and authenticity, of exploration and comfort, of adventure and refinement… The comfort of your ship and your stateroom, personalised and attentive service, refined gastronomy: a very special atmosphere that we take great care to maintain. In the heart of the ice floes of the Arctic and the Antarctic, our luxurious services will ensure that your expedition cruise is an unforgettable experience.

PONANT, polar specialists

With almost 20 years of experience in the extreme regions, PONANT, the world’s number 1 polar cruise company, is a real polar specialist. PONANT will take you to the most remote regions in total safety: our Captains and crew are professionals, specially trained to sail in icy waters. Our latest-generation fleet has the most modern technology to guarantee both your safety and respect for the regions visited. The size of our ships means we can get as close as possible to areas that are difficult to reach, offering a privileged access to preserved sites. Our flexibility enables us to adapt to the surprises inherent to these expedition itineraries.

Professional expedition teams, varied activities

After scouting missions in the field, our Expedition Leaders and their teams of naturalist guides design exceptional itineraries in the polar regions. During the cruise, they organise daily outings and shore visits in Zodiac® dinghies and hikes on land so as to get as close as possible to nature and wild fauna. In the Arctic and in Alaska, the close relationships that our teams have been able to build with the localcommunities will enable you to understand the life of these peoples of the Far North, and to share it for a few hours. On board, the naturalist guides will share their knowledge during various conferences on fauna, the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology…

Depending on your choice made when booking your cruise (options not combinable):

You will be transferred to a restaurant for lunch.

OR

When booking the cruise, guests willing to visit the Tierra del Fuego National Park will be able to sign up for an optional group excursion, with extra cost. If you decide to do so, please note that immediately upon arrival at Ushuaia airport, you will leave towards the Park where you will have lunch before starting the tour.

Created in 1960, the park which covers 63 000 hectares (155 670 acres) is located in the south west of the Tierra del Fuego Province on the Beagle Canal. One of his entries stands slightly over 6 miles from Ushuaia.

Mountainous landscapes, lagoons, bogs, and rivers draw a picturesque scenery reinforced by the southern position of the park itself. The Darwin Mountains, which represent the southern part of the Andes Mountains are mainly responsible for such landscape. The Park is only partly accessible to the public and this tour will provide you with the opportunity to discover the local flora and sub-Antarctic landscapes. If you get lucky, you may encounter beavers, dams, birds, wild orchids, etc… This is a true paradise for Nature Lovers!

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant within the Park.

(Please note that the Tierra del Fuego excursion is subject to a minimum of participants: if this number is not reached, our operator will not be able to guarantee the departure – In this case, you will be given the option to join the “Lunch in Ushuaia” programme.)

At the end of your visit, you will return to Ushuaia and the port, for embarkation on your vessel.

– Cruise on board your ship

Disembarkation Day – Ushuaia / Santiago

Disembarkation.

Meet and greet at the port (English-speaking assistance).

Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of the flight Ushuaia / Santiago selected by PONANT in economy class.

Please note if you choose this excursion, it is not combinable with “Lunch in Ushuaia” programme and therefore replaces it.

The excursion by local bus and the entrance fees to the National Park

The lunch including beverage package.

Transfers and visit as mentioned in the programme

The services of a local English speaking guide

Your programme does not include:

Transfer between airport and hotel in Santiago, the day before embarkation.

Tips for the local guide.

Personal expenses.

Other meals and services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

The 4-night pre-cruise programme “Patagonia, land of contrast” found under the “pre/post & overland" tab and the programme scheduled on embarkation day detailed here above are not compatible. If choosing to participate on the “Patagonia, land of contrast” programme the amount of the included embarkation day programme, will be deducted from your invoice. Please call our travel agents for reservation and to have your invoice adjusted accordingly.

The local currency is the Chilean Peso. You will be able to make most of your purchases in USD (in small denominations) or by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centres and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Pesos from the ATM’s.

Summer season in Santiago: temperatures may be very hot, but often between 68 °F (20 °C) and 95 °F (35 °C).

Important information

Expedition programmes include activities such as Zodiac® outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.

Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.

Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.

Clothing tips:

A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with the logo “Free Parka” (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).

Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises where the logo “Free Boot Rental” appears

Pre/Post & Overlands

Before your cruise

09/12/2020 – PATAGONIA, LAND OF CONTRASTS (4 NIGHTS)

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

With this rich and varied programme, you can discover the highlights of Argentina's seductive and exciting capital, before leaving to admire the wild nature of Patagonia in the Torres del Paine nature reserve, and finally explore the spectacular Perito Moreno glacier.

In the afternoon, start your panoramic city tour of Buenos Aires. The metropolis is famous for being the “Paris of South America” and the visitor will quickly figure it out by looking at its architecture. Down town and in the central neighbourhood, you will find testimonies of its glorious past.

You will visit the heart of the city, May Square (Plaza de Mayo), with the Government House (Casa Rosada) the cathedral, and the City Hall. The Cabildo is right across the street, it is the Town Hall of colonial times. The square is also known as the “Mothers of May Square” (Madres de Plaza de Mayo), with their mute protests started during the military government. From there, the coach drives you through San Telmo (a tango district) to La Boca, with its famous colourful and picturesque houses on Caminito Street. La Boca is the oldest harbour of Buenos Aires and in the early 20th century, most Italian immigrants made here their first steps in their new homeland. Today, it is the favourite neighbourhood for these Italian families' descendants.

At the end of the tour you will visit the northern part of Buenos Aires. The Recoleta neighbourhood with its French style wide avenues, parks and residential houses contrasts with the “Barrio de La Boca”. Here, you will visit the unique monumental cemetery, where Evita Perón and other historical people are buried.

At the end of the day, you will attend a typical dinner in a local steakhouse restaurant in Puerto Madero. After tasting the famous grilled meat, part of the Argentine national identity, you will return to your hotel.

Day 2 - Buenos Aires/El Calafate/Puerto Natales

Breakfast.

You will be transferred to Buenos Aires airport for the flight Buenos Aires/El Calafate selected by PONANT.

After being welcomed by your local English-speaking representative.

You will be transferred in a local restaurant for lunch, with a demonstration of the “Gaucho” life.

You will drive towards the Chilean border at Cerro Castillo (about a 3-hour drive).

After the border formalities, you will change to another bus and meet your Chilean local driver.

Finally, you will be driven to Puerto Natales (1.5-hour drive), and you will arrived at the Costaustralis hotel (or similar).

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 - El Calafate/Torres del Paine National Park/El Calafate

Check-out your room,

Early breakfast.

Today visit the Torres del Paine National Park, which provides wonderful views onto the Torres Massif and its jagged peaks, as well as of Grey Lake and Grey Glacier. Several short hikes enable visitors to reach the most beautiful viewing points in the park and to become acquainted with the wealth of flora and fauna found in the area.

This 227,298-hectare sanctuary was founded under the name of Lago Gray National Tourism Park on May 13, 1959, when the main activity of the area was still Livestock and tourism were relegated to a few adventurers. Just on April 30, 1970, the park adds 11,000 new hectares to its protected terrain and is baptized as it is known today: Torres del Paine National Park. The park encompasses ancient forests, glaciers, lakes, rivers and fjords, and fauna including guanacos, foxes, pumas and a diverse array of birds.

Lunch box with beverages

After your dinner, you will be transferred to El Calafate (about 2-hour drive) at the Hotel Posada Los Alamos (or similar).

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 - Torres del Paine National Park/El Calafate

Breakfast.

In the afternoon, you will go to the spectacular Perito Moreno glacier. This extraordinary tour will bring you to the biggest and most important highlight of the Argentine Patagonia region.

The glacier is about 50 miles (80 km) from El Calafate. During this tour, you will notice the dramatic change in landscape. While in El Calafate everything is dry, harsh and flat, at the park entrance you will see trees, mountains and green vegetation. Soon you will see the breath-taking Perito Moreno glacier, the centrepiece of the national park. Due to unusually favourable local conditions, it is one of the few advancing glaciers on the planet. The Moreno glacier merits a visit and you will be highly impressed standing only a few meters away from its 200 to 260-yard high (60 to 80 m) walls. The deep blue colours of the ice and the shape of the glacier with all its small columns are unbelievable. You will have enough time to explore this site by yourself, before returning to El Calafate.

You will be transferred to Posada Los Alamos Hotel (or similar) for the night.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 5 - El Calafate/Ushuaia

Breakfast.

Transfer to El Calafate airport in time for flight El Calafate/Ushuaia selected by PONANT.

After being welcomed by our local English-speaking representative, you will be transferred to a local restaurant for lunch.

Enjoy some time at leisure in the city center of Ushuaia, before your transfer to the pier in time for embarkation.

Your hotels:

The Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta 5*/Buenos Aires

In the sophisticated neighbourhood of Recoleta, known for its neoclassical architecture, The Brick M-Gallery Hotel by Sofitel stands out thanks to its contemporary style and imposing brick façade. The hotel offers easy access to the main tourist attractions in Buenos Aires and features elegant, spacious rooms, a pool, restaurant and bar, ensuring a luxurious, authentic and exclusive experience for our guests.

Hotel Costaustralis/Puerto Natales

Hotel Costaustralis offers a panoramic view of the Patagonian Andes. With its elegant Castle style architecture and ideally located in Puerto Natales.

The rooms are elegant and comfortable and include a separate desk, bath and television. They all have a magnificent view of the mountains. Its services include a restaurant, a bar and a wine cellar ensure that its customers enjoy an authentic and luxurious stay.

Hotel Posada Los Alamos 4*/El Calafate

The Hotel Posada Los Alamos is situated in the heart of El Calafate, close to Argentino Lake. It has spa facilities, an indoor pool and free Wi-Fi in all areas. The guest rooms feature heating, as well as a minibar and cable TV. Rooms have views over the organic garden and the mountains beyond.

Your programme includes:

1-night accommodation in Buenos Aires, at the Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta (or similar), with early check-in on day 1 (after 11am).

Hospitality desk on the morning of Day 1, with English-speaking hostess.

Domestic flight details will be communicated when confirmed by the Airline.

Meals and beverage package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 tea or 1 coffee) as mentioned in the program.

Transfers and visits mentioned in the program.

Entrance fees for national parks and reserves.

Services of local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

Lunch on Day 1.

Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.

Transfer from the airport to your hotel.

Please note:

By choosing this exclusive pre-cruise stay, the boarding day schedule as described in the tab “Included in your cruise” is not compatible or cumulative with this programme Patagonia, land of contrasts (4 nights).

For more information and to purchase this trip please contact our travel advisors.

The local currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso. You can make most of your purchases in U. S. dollars (small denominations) or by credit card, which are accepted in most hotels, malls and shops. You can also withdraw pesos from ATMs.

The local currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso. Foreign currencies are generally not accepted. You will be able to make most of your purchases by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centres and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Chilean Pesos from the ATM’s.

At the Argentine/Chile borders on Day 2 and 3, after border formalities, you will change bus.

Lunch on Day 1 is at leisure and not included in the program. If you wish to have the meal at the hotel, the corresponding price will be added to your hotel room account, to be paid upon checkout.

During your journey to Torres Del Paine National Park, we suggest you leave your main luggage at the hotel at El Calafate. It will be stored in a safe room and you will take it back at your return.

Travelers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. We advise travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations.

The luggage allowance is maximum 23 kg.

This programme includes a visit to the Chilean side. No visa is required for border-crossing by land. In Chile, the import of food is strictly regulated. For further information, please check with your local guide.

A private transfer from the airport to the hotel can be organized at a supplement. It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 15 days prior to the beginning of your cruise, in order to secure the proper meet and greet service at the airport.

An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact your travel agent for further detail.

Contact of your hotels:

The Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta 5*/Buenos Aires

Posadas 1232

1011 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Tel: (+54) 11 4819 1100

Hotel Costaustralis/Puerto Natales

Pedro Montt 262 Puerto Natales,

Chile 6160000

Tel: (+56) 61-2412000

Hotel Posada Los Alamos 4*/El Calafate

Ing. Hector Mario Guatti 1135

El Calafate - Santa Cruz - Patagonia

Tel: (+54) (0) 29 0249 1144

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed.

Attention: the prices listed at the time of your reservation can be different from those listed in the brochure. These prices can evolve based on availability and the real time rates of the airline companies selected.

Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. Ponant advises Travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations. Ponant specifically draws Travellers' attention to the fact that the information provided may change up until the departure date, and they are advised to consult that information up until the time of departure. CDP invites Travellers to adjust their behavior to the visited country, to exercise vigilance and to avoid carrying valuable objects during their travel.